Learn the Pros and Cons of Dentures and Dental Implants

If you are looking to have some restorative dental work done, it helps to understand the pros and cons of dentures and dental implants. Which option you choose depends on your particular needs and what your mouth can support. Learn more!

Dentures

Missing teeth cause more than just cosmetic issues with your smile.  Teeth serve an important purpose. Without teeth, even if you are able to get necessary nutrients from liquids, your jawbone and gums will weaken, triggering other problems.

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They are fabricated to look just like real teeth. They are custom-fabricated for your mouth from an oral impression that is made by your dentist.

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial.  The type you need will depend on how many teeth you are replacing.  Like the names indicate, a full denture is when you are replacing all your teeth. A partial denture is when you replace just the ones you are missing.

Dental Implants

Dental implants started to become popular in the 1970s although the technology has been around for much longer than that.

Currently, dental implants are considered to be the most advanced solution for missing teeth with a long-term success rate of up to 97 percent.

They are the only currently available solution that can reliably support the surrounding teeth and stimulate the natural formation of bone. In doing so, they are able to restore an individual’s smile and overall confidence

Implants acts just like a regular tooth, with a titanium root screwed into the bone that holds a crown or denture above your gumline.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Implant-retained dentures, also called snap-on dentures, stay in place because they are held in place by titanium dental implants along your jaw. Implant-retained dentures eliminate rubbing and sore spots that traditional dentures can cause. Since they are fixed, it is easier to speak and eat in them. They don’t require adhesives to stay in place. And, the help protect bone health.  Overall, they are just more comfortable than traditional dentures.

Benefits of Dentures

  • Dentures are less expensive  than implants.
  • They restore dignity.
  • They offer a healing period following tooth removal before implants.
  • The delivery of dentures is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment.

Cons of Dentures

  • Gum disease can occur if food is trapped by the dentures.
  • They require replacement about every 3 to 6 years.
  • They don’t appear as natural as dental implants.
  • They require daily care/maintenance. (Cleaning).
  • You can’t sleep overnight in them.
  • Partial dentures can weaken the adjacent natural teeth that provide support for the dentures.
  • Because they aren’t fixed, they can move making eating and speaking challenging.
  • Certain foods must be avoided–crunchy, sticky foods.
  • They can be lost or broken.

Benefits of Implants

  • They’re easy to take care of; brush, floss and care for your implant teeth just like natural teeth.
  • They appear and function just as natural teeth since they are rooted to bone.
  • You don’t have to avoid foods–even things that are crunchy or sticky.
  • Dental implants don’t affect speech.
  • Bones and adjacent teeth are kept intact. Further bone deterioration is avoided.
  • Dental implants can last for decades.

Cons of Implants

  • Implants are more expensive than dentures.
  • Implants necessitate surgery for installation.
  • They can have a lengthy healing process.

Even if you were previously told that you could not get dental implants, talk to our dentists about your options. As technology has improved for dental implants, they can now be used in patients with bone loss or other health conditions that may have prevented you from getting them in the past.

Call Today to Learn More About Dentures and Dental Implants

Our cosmetic dentists at Young Family Dental can help you understand all your tooth replacement options for missing teeth, and help you decide which denture option will work best based on your individual needs. They can fit you for a full or partial denture that is secure in your mouth for the utmost comfort and optimal cosmetic results. When you get dentures from a skilled cosmetic dentist, you will notice the difference immediately in your smile, your confidence and your overall health and happiness.

To learn more about the newest types of dentures and partials or to schedule a personal consultation with one of our dentists, call or visit any of our five Utah dental offices in West JordanRivertonAmerican ForkSaratoga Springs or Orem. We’ll show you what dentures and partials can do for you.

Call us today to learn more!

OREM 801-899-1095

AMERICAN FORK 801-396-2295

SARATOGA SPRINGS 801-407-9590

RIVERTON 801-252-6369

WEST JORDAN 801-613-1816